Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine opens new facility dedicated to One Health research

August 2, 2018

Building will support research into zoonotic and vector-borne disease, antimicrobial resistance and more in St. Kitts and the Caribbean.

Photo courtesy of the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.

The Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) has opened its Research and Pathology Building to further its research capabilities in St. Kitts and the Caribbean, according to a university release. The $10.5 million, 19,000-square-foot structure is designed to facilitate multidisciplinary research collaboration and provide an academic platform for students and faculty to address One Health issues.

It includes 13,000 square feet of research space that includes eight laboratories, 2,000 square feet dedicated to pathology that includes necropsy and histology suites along with a viewing gallery for student learning, and 4,000 square feet for small group meetings and student needs, the release states. The research and pathology sections of the building are designed to BSL-2 biosafety standards.

“Our commitment to research is essential to the future of veterinary medicine, which will involve collaborations across multiple disciplines to address zoonotic diseases that pose devastating threats in the Caribbean region and beyond,” said Sean Callanan, MVB, MRCVS, CertVR, PhD, DECVP, FRCPath, dean at RUSVM, in the release. “The center also represents our commitment to provide our students with an innovative and advanced educational program that prepares them to become leaders within the One Health realm.”

Research in the new facility will allow for improved understanding of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, reducing the development of antimicrobial resistance and protection of threatened and endangered species and ecosystems in the Caribbean, the release estates. Research will also specifically address sea turtle conservation, feral animal immune contraception strategies and U.S.-government-funded research on arboviruses.

The grand opening ceremony was attended by people from the St. Kitts government, leaders and trustees of RUSM, and executives from RUSVM parent company Adtalem Global Education.

To learn more visit veterinary.rossu.edu/researchbuilding.